As a newcomer to the team, Kai Schwindt made a splash in his debut season and earned the attention of NHL scouts.
Early Results
Kai Schwindt was excited to get to work this season after signing with the Steelheads as a free agent in July 2021. The new Trout looked to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Cole Schwindt, who was a staple in the Steelheads lineup from 2017-20.
The forward wasted no time and started his OHL career with a bang. In the season opener versus the Kingston Frontenacs, Schwindt opened the scoring in a game that the Trout would eventually win 7-2. He had his first multi-point performance on November 18 after registering a goal and an assist when the Steelheads beat the Niagara IceDogs.
Making His Mark
In the back half of the season, the left-winger more than doubled his production. Finishing the regular season with 17 points (12G, 5A), the hard-working Steelhead became a fixture in the offensive lineup. His 12 goals in the regular season included two game-winners and a power play goal. The forward finished with a plus minus record of +11 and registered 118 shots on goal.
Schwindt picked up a pair of points in the postseason as well. A pass dished to Owen Beck led to the overtime goal that gave the Trout their first win of the series versus the Barrie Colts. He also pocketed an assist on a Luke Misa goal in the second round versus the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Turning Heads
After missing the midterm rankings, the winger more than doubled his production in the new year. Schwindt’s performance in the second half landed him a spot on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings (196) ahead of the NHL Entry Draft in Montreal on July 7-8.
